Preferred IUPAC name: Hydroxyacetic acid
Synonyms: Hydroxyacetic acid, 2-Hydroxyacetic acid Hydroacetic acid, 2-Hydroxyethanoic acid, Glycollic Acid, Hydroxyethanoic acid, Glycollic acid, Gluco-hydroxy-acid, Acetic acid, hydroxy alpha-hydroxyacetic acid
GLYCOLIC ACID is genarally sold as 70 % in Water by ATAMAN CHEMICALS.
CAS Number: 79-14-1
EC / List no.: 201-180-5
CAS no.: 79-14-1
Mol. formula: C2H4O3
HS Code: 2918 19 98
Properties of Glycolic Acid
Chemical formula: C2H4O3
Molar mass: 76.05 g/mol
Appearance: White powder or colorless crystals
Density: 1.49 g/cm3
Melting point: 75 °C (167 °F; 348 K)
Boiling point: Decomposes
Solubility in water: 70% solution
Solubility in other solvents: Alcohols, acetone, acetic acid and ethyl acetate
log P: −1.05
Acidity (pKa): 3.83
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
Glycolic acid contains acid as well as primary alcohol functional groups.
Glycolic acid undergoes typical oxidation reactions to give glyoxylic acid and oxalic acid and reduction reactions with active metals to form acetic acid.
As an acid, Glycolic acid forms salts, esters, amides, etc.
As an alcohol, Glycolic acid forms esters, acetals, and ethers.
Glycolic acid uses both functional groups to form complexes with polyvalent metal ions.
In acid environments, glycolic acid can undergo self-esterification to form cyclic and Glycolic acid linear polymers known as glycolides.
There are no readily hydrolyzable groups in glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid is non-flammable.
Its combustion products include formaldehyde, formic acid, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
Crystalline glycolic acid begins to lose water and polymerize at temperatures above 50ºC (DuPont, 1998e).
When heated to its melting point, the chemical emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes (Lewis, 1996).
Concentrated aqueous glycolic acid solutions are chemically stable at average temperatures (DuPont,1998e).
AVAILABLE GRADES BY ATAMAN CHEMICALS:
Glycolic Acid 99%
Glycolic Acid 70%
Glycolic Acid 30%
APPLICATIONS OF GLYCOLIC ACID:
Personal care and Cosmetics (Exfoliant and Skin lightener)
Industrial (Chemical intermediate in the Preparation of inks and detergents, Corrosion inhibitors, and intermediate of solvents and surfactants)
Household (Manufacturing household, industrial, and electronics cleaners)
Textile ( Dyeing and Tanning Agent)
Food processing (Flavoring Agent and Preservative)
Pharmaceuticals (Preparation of pharmaceuticals)
Organic Synthesis (Monomer in the preparation of Polyglycolic Acid and other Copolymers)
Others
Based on application, the personal care segment accounted for a significant share of the market for glycolic acid, owing to the rising demand for glycolic acid-based products for scalp and hair treatment.
The increasing awareness about the benefits of glycolic acid on skin health and the growing demand for skin care products among consumers is likely to bolster the consumption of glycolic acid in the skincare industry, thus aiding the growth of this segment.
Most formulations of glycolic acid are not aqueous solutions but oil-in-water emulsions such as creams and lotions.
In emulsions, undissociated glycolic acid molecules distribute to the oil phase, decreasing the concentration of undissociated glycolic acid, glycolate ion and hydrogen ion in the aqueous phase.
The high degree of acidity of glycolic acid and excellent water-solubility make it ideal for cosmetics and personal care products such as creams for wrinkle treatment, skin care, scar removal, and hair nourishment, among others.
The growing aging population is escalating the sale of anti-wrinkle products, thereby augmenting the market for glycolic acid.
Industrial applications of glycolic acid are on the rise, particularly in the oil and refining industry, where glycolic acid is commonly used as a cost-effective cleaning method.
The thriving oil and gas industry and the utility of glycolic acid in cleaning and scraping processes are anticipated to contribute to the growth of the glycolic acid market in the coming years.
